LAW ALERT: COBRA Subsidy is Extended Again

On March 2, 2010, President Obama signed the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 4691) that, among other things, extends the eligibility period for the COBRA subsidy provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for an additional 30 days.

The new legislation extends the eligibility date for the COBRA subsidy from February 28, 2010 to March 31, 2010.

The COBRA subsidy provisions under the ARRA provide that eligible employees (those who are “involuntarily terminated” within the stated period) pay 35% of the premium costs and employers pay the other 65%. The employer can then file for a federal tax credit for the premium subsidy it pays.

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Lizbeth “Beth” West is a shareholder in the Labor and Employment Law Section and Disputes, Trials & Appeals Section at Weintraub Genshlea Chediak. Beth’s practice focuses on counseling employers in all areas of employment law, and defending employers in state and federal court, as well as before administrative agencies. She has extensive experience in defending wage and hour claims, and complex whistle-blowing and retaliation claims. She also provides training services on various employment issues, such as sexual harassment and violence in the workplace. If you have any questions about this Legal Alert or other employment law related questions, please feel free to contact Beth West at (916) 558-6082. For additional articles on employment law issues, please visit Weintraub’s employment law blog at www.thelelawblog.com.